Jerusalem
Places to see/sites to visit
THE HOLY CITY.
The sites to see in Jerusalem will be determined by how many times have you been there before. First timers will visit completely different places then someone who has been there 8 times before.
The main things to see will be all 4 quarters (Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Armenian) of the old city of Jerusalem. Remember to visit the 3 holy sites for the 3 religions: The Western Wall, Temple Mount, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. A quick search on Google will help you find free tour companies that will take you on a 2-3 hour tour around the old city with a licensed tour guide (highly recommended).
Another place you must see is The City of David. It’s one of the most fascinating archaeological sites you will find in Israel. The site shows archaeological findings from the prehistoric period, the destruction of the First Temple, the rebirth of the Second Temple, and the evidence supporting the existence of various biblical characters. Was it really the palace of King David? You will have to go there to find out!
You also need to visit Yad VaShem, Israel's official memorial for the victims of the Holocaust. This is one of the most important places you will visit in Israel. You can spend 2-3 hours visiting and another 4 days going through all the documents and records this place has to offer. Both admission and a guided tour of the museum are free.
For those of you who are more experienced, you can visit: Nachlaot, Nahalat Shiv'a, Mishkenot Sha’ananim, Mount Zion, Mount Scopus, Mount of Olives, Israel Museum, Museum on the Seam, Tower of David (not the same thing as the city of David), Museum for Islamic Art, the German Colony, Jerusalem railway station, Gazelle Valley, The Tisch Family Zoological Gardens (Jerusalem Biblical Zoo), Ein Karem.
Food
If you already visited Israel, you would notice that we did not mention one of the most amazing places in Jerusalem. Machne Yehuda! Machne Yehuda is the largest and most incredible market in the west side of the city! You will find everything in this market from simple street food to gourmet restaurants, savory and sweet treats, comfort food and fast food, juice stands and a pub… long story short, if you want to find good food, this is the place for you.
If you are in the old city, you can find great hummus, kabab, baklava and much more at the Muslim Market in the Christian and Muslim quarters. If you are looking for kosher food, you will find a variety of options in the Jewish Quarter.
Entertainment
Café Shalva: Cafe Shalva is a boutique café that is also an equal-opportunity work setting where an inclusive staff work as managers, waiters, and hosts. The cafe’s menu and management were developed in partnership with elite culinary establishments, Derech Hagefen in Beit Zayit and Café Itamar. Its interior design is artistically crafted to inspire newfound understandings of inclusion and acceptance.
Yoel Moshe Salomon Street: If you will ever google pictures of Jerusalem you will see the old city, the dome of the rock, the western wall and the old city walls. You will also find a picture of a beautiful street with colorful umbrellas hanging over the people walking down the street and making the street a big tourist attraction.
Segway Tour in Jerusalem: many tourist companies are offering Segway tours around the old and modern city. They will provide you with a Segway, helmet, and a tour guide for few hours.
Fun Fact
All structures in Jerusalem (public and private) must be built or covered by “Jerusalem stone.” Jerusalem stone is the name of various types of pale limestone, dolomite, and dolomitic limestone.
